Catherine Carabello has called Charleston home on and off since 1963. She and her husband have owned several homes in the Lowcountry and recently decided that they ultimately want to be downtown when they retire. Working with REALTOR® Elizabeth Ramsay Dickinson, the Carabellos were able to sell their South of Broad condo and find a new construction townhome on Barre Street that checked all of their boxes. Read on to hear more about their search and beautiful new home!
How was the process of selling your previous condo?
Catherine: It was about a two year process to sell our condo because we weren’t sure we’d find something we liked enough to want to move! We ended up listing it with Elizabeth after looking at possibilities of where we could live. And she sold it very quickly–and it was a very nice offer…
What was the home search like?
Catherine: [Elizabeth] probably showed me 50 or more houses. I was very resistant. I did not want to be on this side of town; I wanted to be more Ansonborough. But everything there is old. We had a house on King Street that was built in 1831 and then the Ft. Sumter House which was built in 1925. I just wanted something new, but I didn’t want a condominium again.
And [Elizabeth] saw this and said: “You’ve got to come look at this.” It was under construction. It was roughed-in, just framing, when we first saw it. But the 5 townhouses across Halsey had been done so I could go in and look. This was actually a spec house…Some things (like SieMatic and some fixtures and bathroom tiles) had already been chosen, but the rest I got to do myself and change. We were able to custom do the fireplace how we wanted and the backsplash and the tile in some bathrooms. We were able to pick out quite a few things, even lighting.
What were the key selling points of this home?
Catherine: New, elevator and garage. The elevator and garage were things that we wanted, and the new was an added bonus. Because we’ll retire here and you don’t want a lot of upkeep once you’re retired.
What was your experience working with Elizabeth like?
Catherine: Best REALTOR® I’ve ever had. I think we’ve bought and sold 8 houses. But she’s by far the best REALTOR® I’ve ever had. She’s professional, but she’s personable and approachable. It’s a nice combination and I feel like she’s always had our best interest at heart.
What is your favorite spot in your new home?
Catherine: The rooftop terrace.
What are your favorite things to do in the area or neighborhood?
Catherine: I really like this neighborhood. I was surprised. We used to walk to the foot of King and Calhoun [from our old house], which would take 25-35 minutes. And now I can be in the same spot in 10 minutes and I like that. I love going to Le Farfalle and Cafe Framboise which has fantastic soups, sandwiches, croissant and crepes.
